Social Media, Temptation, and God

            Life as a young adult is much more complicated than what it appears to be on the surface. With social media at the tip of your fingers, the ideas of privacy and censorship are almost completely obsolete. Taking part in sinful actions isn’t just advertised; it is portrayed as the norm. I can’t tell you how many semi-naked people I see on a daily basis on my Facebook newsfeed. And I even attempt to censor what pops up! The problem is that it is not my friends who are posting the inappropriate content. It’s the advertisements and article links. It is inescapable, yet social media has become a necessity in society. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are often used for school-related projects, especially on the collegiate level. In fact, I only created a Twitter account because it was required for one of my courses my first semester in college. This struggle with social media is one that all young adults face, but that all young adults can tackle.

             So how do you, a young adult, rise above the inevitable temptation? It’s quite simple really. All you have to do is remember the big picture -- John 3:16, NIV – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God sent his only son to die for your sins! But that doesn’t mean that any of us get a free pass to sin. God has called each and every person to serve him in his or her own special way – yes, even you. It makes no difference if your age is 16, 21, 32, or 50. God has a purpose and plan for you. 1 Timothy 4:12, NIV states, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Even though the “young and free” lifestyle (you know what I mean) may seem fun and something that you absolutely have to experience, God says otherwise.

           

            Remember what I said earlier about temptation through social media being at your fingertips? You have the ability to change that. In 1 Timothy 4:12, God is calling you to set an example of purity to everyone you come in contact with – adults AND youth. I know it’s hard, but believe me it can be done. One thing that I have found to help me is having close friends act as accountability partners. If you make a pact with a friend to help you stay on track in your relationship with God, it becomes much easier than going it alone. I suggest doing this with a close friend so that you are fully comfortable talking to them about the raw and nitty gritty. But remember that the only accountability partner that you really need is Jesus. “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).